Borobudur Temple

An Overview: Borobudur Temple

Candi Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, was built in the 8th century by the Sailendra Dynasty, which ruled over Java at that time. Its original purpose was to serve as a place of worship for Buddhists, as well as a pilgrimage site. The structure represents the journey of the human soul towards enlightenment, with its ten levels symbolizing the different stages of spiritual growth, from the earthly world at the bottom to the realm of nirvana at the top. The design and layout of the temple reflect deep Buddhist philosophies and teachings, shown through detailed carvings on the walls, which tell the story of Buddha's life and the spiritual lessons he shared.

In the 14th century, the temple was abandoned and slowly became buried under volcanic ash and dense forest growth. It wasn’t until 1814 that British governor Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles rediscovered Borobudur during his exploration of Java. Since then, several restoration projects have been carried out to return the temple to its original glory, including a major restoration by UNESCO in the 1970s. Today, Borobudur is not only a significant religious monument but also a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Indonesia’s most popular tourist attractions. 

Location Details and Operating Hours

Candi Borobudur is located in Central Java, Indonesia, at Jl. Badrawati, Kw. Candi Borobudur, Borobudur, Kec. Borobudur, Kabupaten Magelang. It is surrounded by lush greenery and hills, making the environment peaceful and refreshing. The temple is easily accessible from the nearby city of Yogyakarta, a popular tourist hub.

The temple is open to visitors Tuesday - Sunday from 06:30 in the morning until 17:00 in the evening, local time. The last time you can redeem your ticket for entry is at 16:00, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.

Exciting Activities Visitors Can Do at Candi Borobudur

There are plenty of exciting activities that visitors can enjoy when visiting Candi Borobudur. 

• Climbing the Temple: One of the highlights is climbing the temple itself. As you go to the top, you’ll pass through different levels of the temple, each filled with detailed stone carvings known as relief panels. These panels depict scenes from the life of Buddha and provide insight into the daily life and beliefs of the ancient Javanese people. At the very top of the temple, you’ll be greeted with a stunning view of the surrounding countryside, including Mount Merapi in the distance.
• Watching Sunrise: If you’re an early riser, the sunrise at Borobudur is an unforgettable experience. Watching the sun slowly rise behind the temple, casting golden light on the structure, creates a magical atmosphere. Similarly, the sunset offers a peaceful and beautiful end to your visit.
• Take Guided Tour: You can take guided tours to learn more about the history and significance of the temple. Local guides offer in-depth explanations about the meaning behind each level of the temple and the stories carved into its stone. 
• Explore the Museums: You can also explore the nearby museums, such as the Karmawibhangga Museum, which houses artifacts found during the excavation of Borobudur, along with more information on the temple’s history and restoration.
• Explore the Temple Complex: For those who want a more leisurely experience, walking around the temple complex and the surrounding park is a relaxing activity. The lush gardens and peaceful environment make it a perfect place to reflect and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Ticket Prices 

Tickets to visit Candi Borobudur can be purchased easily through Traveloka, offering a variety of options depending on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the different ticket types available:

1. Entrance Ticket (Indonesian Citizens) - Rp 47,250

This ticket provides entry to the temple yard for one visitor, allowing you to walk around the outer parts of the temple complex. However, this ticket does not include access to climb the actual temple structure. It’s a great option if you want to explore the surrounding area or take in the views from a distance.

2. Temple Structure Ticket (Indonesian Citizens)

These tickets allow you to enter the Borobudur Temple area and climb the temple itself. You’ll also be provided with special sandals (Upanat) to wear while climbing the temple, which helps protect the ancient stones. In addition, a tour guide will accompany you to explain the history and details of the temple, and you’ll also receive a complimentary drink. This ticket does not include transportation such as the EV/Tayo or access to the Samudraraksa Museum.

• Temple Structure Ticket (Indonesian Citizens) 08:30 - 10:00 - Rp 115,119
• Temple Structure Ticket (Indonesian Citizens) 09:30 - 11:00 - Rp 115,130
• Temple Structure Ticket (Indonesian Citizens) 10:30 - 12:00 - Rp 115,142
• Temple Structure Ticket (Indonesian Citizens) 11:30 - 13:00 - Rp 115,154
• Temple Structure Ticket (Indonesian Citizens) 12:30 - 14:00 - Rp 115,165
• Temple Structure Ticket (Indonesian Citizens) 13:30 - 15:00 - Rp 115,177
• Temple Structure Ticket (Indonesian Citizens) 14:30 - 16:00 - Rp 115,188
• Temple Structure Ticket (Indonesian Citizens) 15:30 - 17:00 - Rp 115,200

3. Entrance Ticket (International Tourists) - Rp 366,150

This ticket is for international visitors and includes access to the Borobudur Temple area and the opportunity to climb the monument. Special sandals, a guide, and a drink are provided as part of this package.

4. Temple Structure Ticket (Foreign Citizens)

This ticket includes entry and climbing access for foreign visitors during the 10:30 to 12:00 time slot. Visitors will be provided with special sandals, a guide to explain the temple's significance, and a drink.

• Temple Structure Ticket (Foreign Citizens) 10:30 - 12:00 – Rp 441,025
• Temple Structure Ticket (Foreign Citizens) 11:30 - 13:00 – Rp 441,025
• Temple Structure Ticket (Foreign Citizens) 14:30 - 16:00 – Rp 441,025
• Temple Structure Ticket (Foreign Citizens) 09:30 - 11:00 – Rp 441,025

You can purchase all of these tickets easily through Traveloka, ensuring a smooth and convenient booking process. Simply choose your preferred time slot and ticket type, and enjoy your visit to this magnificent temple.

General Information

Borobudur Temple is an ancient monument that has specific visiting rules and regulations to ensure both the protection of the site and the safety of visitors. 

• Zone 1 Maintenance: Every Monday, Zone 1, which includes the courtyard and terrace of Borobudur Temple, is closed for maintenance by the Borobudur Conservation Center. During this time, visitors cannot access this part of the temple.
• Zone 1 Visiting Hours: From Tuesday to Sunday, visitors can visit Zone 1 between 08:30 and 15:30 WIB. While the courtyard is open for viewing, visitors are not allowed to climb the temple building or enter its rooms.
• Zone 2 Visiting Hours: Zone 2, which consists of the park surrounding the temple, is open every day from Monday to Sunday. The visiting hours for this zone are from 07:30 to 17:00 WIB, giving visitors plenty of time to explore the beautiful surroundings.
• Ticket Counter Break Time: The ticket counter has a brief break from 15:00 to 15:15 WIB. During this period, visitors cannot exchange tickets or enter the destination, so it’s important to plan your visit around this time to avoid delays.
• Identity Check: Borobudur Temple reserves the right to deny entry to visitors who cannot present a valid identity card.
• Children Under 12: Children under 12 are allowed to enter the Borobudur Temple complex but must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
• Health Protocols: All visitors are required to comply with the Health Protocol Regulations (CHSE), which may include wearing masks, maintaining physical distance, and following other guidelines set by the authorities.
• Ticket Validity:
• Tickets are non-transferable and are valid only for the date selected at the time of purchase.
• Tickets are non-refundable.
• Each ticket is valid for one-time use only.
• Tourist Number Restrictions: To preserve the monument, there is a limit of 1,200 tourists per day who are allowed to climb the Borobudur temple monument. A maximum of 150 people can be on the monument at any given time.
• Visiting Sessions: There are 8 visiting sessions per day, where tourists are assigned specific times for their visit. Each session lasts around 1.5 hours:

Session 1: 08:30 - 10:00 WIB

Session 2: 09:30 - 11:00 WIB

Session 3: 10:30 - 12:00 WIB

Session 4: 11:30 - 13:00 WIB

Session 5: 12:30 - 14:00 WIB

Session 6: 13:30 - 15:00 WIB

Session 7: 14:30 - 16:00 WIB

Session 8: 15:30 - 17:00 WIB

• Special Footwear (Upanat): Visitors who wish to climb the monument are required to wear special footwear called "Upanat," which is provided by the temple management upon arrival.
• Guided Tours: All visitors who want to climb Borobudur temple must be accompanied by a guide, who will lead groups of 10 to 15 tourists. The guide will share stories about the history and significance of the monument. Private guides can be hired for an additional fee.
• Dress Code: Tourists are encouraged to wear white clothing during their visit to the Borobudur Temple monument.
• E-Ticket Validation: Visitors must present their e-tickets upon arrival, either through online or onsite purchases. After the e-ticket is validated, visitors will receive a special bracelet that grants access to climb the temple.
• Assigned Guide and Footwear: Upon entry, visitors will meet their assigned guide, who will accompany them during the visit. They will also receive the special footwear to be worn while at the monument.
• Tour Instructions:

-Visitors are required to follow the instructions and routes laid out by the guide during the visit.

-Food, drinks, smoking, littering, touching the reliefs, and bringing pets are prohibited.

-Drones and sharp objects are not allowed on the site.

• Duration of Visit: Visitors are allowed to spend a maximum of 1 hour at the Borobudur temple monument.
• Souvenir Footwear: After completing the visit and descending from the monument, visitors can keep the Upanat footwear as a souvenir.
• Private Guide Option: A private guide is available for an additional fee of IDR 20,000 for domestic tourists and IDR 30,000 for foreign tourists, in case visitors prefer not to join a group.
• Exit Procedure: Upon leaving the monument, the bracelet will be scanned to ensure all tourists are accounted for.
• Survey and Feedback: After the visit, visitors will receive a follow-up message via email or WhatsApp, thanking them for their visit and providing a survey link to give feedback on their experience.
• Free Admission: Children under the age of 3 can enter the Borobudur Temple complex free of charge.

To make your experience as smooth as possible, tickets for Borobudur Temple can be purchased through Traveloka, where you can easily select your visit date and session.